A record number of live cattle shipments have left the Port of Townsville in North Queensland in the last five months, according to a live export agent.

While the price of steers being sent to Indonesia out of Townsville has fallen 20 cents per kilogram since December last year, agent Tim McHugh says the market is still a good outlet for Queensland cattle.

He says the dry conditions are forcing graziers to enter completely new markets.

"I'd have to say it's been a lifesaving at this point in time, and there's graziers sending cattle that probably haven't put cattle on export ships before.

"Since the election through to January, there has been 12 ships go out of Townsville, which in my experience would suggest that's a record."